Customs uncovers a shocking weapon from the US

Page Tools

But this chunky handset uncovered by Australian Customs Service officials holds a shocking secret - it's really a stun gun.

Officers at the ACS's mail-screening facility at Clyde unearthed the device during a routine check last month.

The 16-centimetre device is capable of delivering a charge of 180,000 volts in a form its American marketers promise will lead to the "inability to function and feeling of helplessness" in human targets.

Powered by a nine-volt battery, the gun works by sending an arc of electricity between the handset's "antenna" and a receptor about two centimetres away on its upper surface.

The stun gun, sent from the United States to an address in the Blue Mountains, was seized under prohibited imports legislation and was due to be destroyed last week.

"Customs has seized many conventional stun guns, but this is believed to be the first time that we've found a stun gun disguised as mobile phone," said Doug Greaves, the director of cargo assurance at the ACS.

"It's of real concern that someone should try to bring this sort of thing into Australia. Marketing material suggests it can deliver a shock of 180,000 volts," Mr Greaves said.

AdvertisementAdvertisement

"It may have been designed for self-protection, but it can be used aggressively and it can cause serious injury. Anyone who tries to import a device like this, or any other prohibited import, should know that it will be confiscated. In serious cases legal action will be taken.

"The maximum penalty for importing a prohibited weapon could be as high as 10 years in jail or a penalty of $250,000, or both."

Stun guns are legal in some US states and marketed as a self-protection accessory.

The gun is made by Taiwanese company Motedo. Its US marketers said consumers could imagine the feeling of being stung by the device.

The website of one US marketer said: "If you have ever hit your funny bone, multiply that by 10,000 and extend it throughout your entire body.

"The inability to function and feeling of helplessness, combined with the sensation of millions of tiny needles going through your body provides certain inherent physical, mental and emotional trauma."

While the gun costs about $US65 ($94), miniature stun guns cost as little as $US20.